Confidence in your relationship can improve individual well-being
URBANA, Ill. — When couples attend relationship counseling, it benefits not only their partnership but also their individual well-being. But which aspects of the training are most influential in this respect? A new study from...
Where’d you get that frog? Illinois study traces illicit online amphibian trade
URBANA, Ill. — Keeping amphibians as pets offers hobbyists an opportunity to connect with the non-human world, often increasing interest in conserving animals in the wild. But there’s a dark side to the amphibian trade, according to a...
Illinois Extension offers support for farmers experiencing economic stress
URBANA, Ill. — As farmers across the state face mounting economic pressures, University of Illinois Extension reminds agricultural producers, advisers, and families that free help is available wherever you are.Assistance resources range...
Extension foresters protect trees, empower landowners
URBANA, Ill. — As the saying goes, the hope is that trees will “bloom where they’re planted.” Still, sometimes even these plant powerhouses need help overcoming challenges like invasive species, urban...
New series connects communities with experts to strengthen public health knowledge
URBANA, Ill. — Technology has made health information more accessible than ever, but inaccurate and misleading online content poses serious public health risks. To address this challenge, educators, researchers, and community partners are working together to promote accurate, science-based...
Illinois 4-H horse judging contest crowns top youth competitors
GALVA, Ill. — Youth from 29 counties across Illinois participated in the 2026 Illinois State 4-H Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 1, at Black Hawk College East Campus in Galva.Shelby Krutke of McLean County earned the Larry Carls Memorial Award as the contest’s overall high point individual...
Dig into spring gardening with confidence at local gardening programs
URBANA, Ill. — Gardening is an ever-evolving journey, and each growing season brings fresh experiences and strategies for both new and veteran gardeners. This spring, learn more gardening techniques and grow...
Know before you throw, new law expands free battery recycling options
URBANA, Ill. — After years of powering remotes, children’s toys, and other household devices, the final destination for used batteries is usually the junk drawer. Or worse, it is tossed in the trash can. Now,...
Illinois 4-H youth among nation’s top teen leaders at National 4-H Congress
ATLANTA, Ga. — Ten Illinois teens represented the state at National 4-H Congress, a five-day national conference held Nov. 28–Dec. 2, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. The event brought together outstanding 4-H members from across the country for leadership development, educational...
Illinois Extension’s strategic plan shows significant progress in year one
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is driving statewide impact through its comprehensive 10-year strategic plan, focused on the key priorities of environment, food and agriculture, health, community, economy, technology and discovery,...
Families build winter wonderlands together in Illinois 4-H Building Bricks Challenge
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H families came together over winter break to create imaginative, story-filled scenes for the Illinois 4-H Family Winter Break Building Bricks Challenge, the final event in this year’s Building Brick Challenge Series. The special challenge invited families to work...
Illinois 4-H team earns strong finish at national poultry and egg conference
URBANA, Ill. — An Illinois 4-H team earned top honors while competing in the Poultry Judging Contest at the 2025 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, held Nov. 20 in Louisville, Kentucky. The four-member team placed 11th overall among 24 states competing in the contest....
Strengthen livestock facility management through 2026 Certified Livestock Manager Training
URBANA, Ill. — Livestock operations are strengthened by having certified individuals on staff. Certification helps minimize environmental impacts through increased awareness of regulations and proper manure nutrient management. Anyone responsible for managing a facility can benefit from...
